Getting started in exotic Birds.

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AttackFish

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 10, 2007
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Torrance
Hello, I have became very intersted in exotic birds recently and I have decided that I would like to own one, Another reason why I am very intersted in them is that It would be ok with my mom for me to own one!:headbang2

The species I am intersted in are, Blue-headed Amazons, Conures, and Love birds.

So, I was just wondering if I could get some advice from exotic bird owners, as I am reading more and more everyday. I know some people here keep Lovebirds and it would be great to here from them.

Any suggestions, hints, tips, just anything regarding birds would be great. Thanks in Advance.;)
 
I have a mess of avian friends. Just a simple tip. You may want to start with a conure or something that size. Amazon's are large and if one ever bites you, it is likely you will not want to keep birds ever again. lol. Birds in general are like children and demand attention.

Kory

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Thanks for the info! My Great Grandmother used to have to Yellow Amazons, They were very funny birds. The older one would yell "Heeeeeeeeere Tommy Cat, kitty kitty kitty" and it would also say "Going to town today?" and sometime ssing portions of How much is that doggy in the window, "Dont Bite", and for a time it became agressive and would nock down its cage-mate and say "Knocked her down!" then Chuckle! But then they were seperated into two large enclosures.

After my Great Grandmother died my cousin took the birds and I never saw them again. I always wished we took them, but we didnt have room at the time.

Hopefully I can get a Conure though, as they seem to be very cool little birds!
 
I'm pretty sure I'm getting a Conure. Thanks for the actual informational post Kory.
 
I had a Dusky Conure for many years. It was supposed to talk, but never did. It was, however a cool bird. It often imitated whistles I made. It used to call my German Shepherd Dog, Flash (R.I.P.), with a whistle and then kind of laugh.

I now have a Red Headed Mexican Amazon. This bird is f'ing cool. I've had it for about two years now. We got it from my sister-in-law who had it for about 4 years. This bird can repeat many, many phrases. It imitates the telephone ring and then says "hello". It also imitates the Nextel "beep beep". When I first uncover him in the morning, he says "Hello baby. Boobie boobie boobie boobie." I have no idea where he came up with that one.:D

Be aware that the Conures live a long time (10 years or so) and are a big commitment (I'm sure you probably already know this). And the larger parrots can live 60 years or even longer. Make sure this is not a passing fancy for you.

Also, be aware of the danger of bites if your bird is not altogether tame. While a Conure can hurt and draw blood, with a larger parrot, you could lose a finger (no kidding). :eek: Handle your bird as much as possible while it's young to get him used to it.

One more thing to be aware of is that in my experience, Conures are messy (and parrots). They like to splash around in their water bowls to bathe. They also like to drop food and shell hulls wherever on the floor. It's easier to clean up on a tile floor than carpet.

Do yourself a favor and get the largest cage you can afford. Your bird will appreciate it. I, personally, have never clipped the wings of my birds. I just don't believe in that. If that's what you decide to do, make sure they can't fly away or fly into a running ceiling fan or something like that.

Good luck, these can be very affectionate animals and each kind are rewarding in their own special way.:)
 
my friend picked up a cockatiel and had it forever so he thought now im more expeirenced ill get something cooler so he got an african grey(i know its not on the list of birds you want) africans are extremely smart...and bite hurt like hell we had to use our motorcycle gloves when he first got him. and even then he bite through my friends leather harley gloves...ridiciulous... but anyway that thing demanded more time then he had so he sold it to someone who had a bunch of birds...long story short birds arent just feathery things you throw in a cage(or eat in O's case up there :) ) as long as you do research and make an educated decision on what bird is right for you and not decied based on size and colors you should be fine...good luck with your decision process. and post pics when you get which ever you choose...
 
Haha, I actually do want an African Grey, but thats not for a long time. I am actually not getting a Conure, I'm getting a Yellow head Amazon. I talked to my dad about birds (He used to breed them) and he told me I would probably enjoy an Amazon more, and he gave me alot of tips, and I have been talking to Breeders of Amazons quite a bit.

So, I'll either be getting my Amazon by the end of this month, Or next. :)
 
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